He explained the Munning’s painting of Lieutent Gordon Flowerdew’s famous charge into German machine gun fire, for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, was just one part of the gruelling battle.

The reality included brutal close-combat fighting, bombs being hand-dropped from planes, mass casualties and confusion.

“It was very close to the end of the war, very close to it all collapsing — but remember they didn’t know who was going to win,” added Brough.

The battle forced the withdrawal of the 23rd German division from Moreuil Wood, but it came at a price — 300 men and 500 horses were lost.

100 years ago my grandfather and Warrior and a thousand horses and cavalrymen were fighting for their lives at Moreuil https://t.co/qFNqYKjdTY I am just a guy by the memorial humbled by the thought of it.

“It is extremely important that we reflect on and commemorate this important milestone in the history of the Strathconas,” said Brigadier-General Trevor Cadieu, commander of the third Canadian division and senior serving Strathcona.

“Those young troopers summoned tremendous courage as metal clashed and they confronted their enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

“Their valour continues to inspire us today as we enhance the resilience and warrior ethos of our soldiers, and as we prepare for operations in other theatres.”

‘Blackie’ served on the Western Front at many of the First World War’s major battles, including the Somme, Arras, Ypres

A Canadian Army spokesman told H&H that the Canadian government is “dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices” of its brave soldiers who served in the war.

“Their legacy is the freedom we continue to enjoy today and we are committed to preserving and communicating the contributions and achievements of these brave men and women to future generations,” he said.

“As a result of our shared values and shared experiences, Canada and France formed deep ties during the First World War.

“That relationship endures today as we continue to protect freedom and democracy on an international front. Canada’s history is best told through the stories of the men and women who lived it.

“By recognising and honouring the extraordinary service and sacrifice witnessed a century ago, we will keep the memory of Canada’s First World War experience alive for generations to come.”

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